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Imagine you're driving along one of Easton's roads with packed snow five feet high on each side, narrowing the road and heightening your awareness. Suddenly you hit a bump, skid out and slam into the icy white wall.

This is what can happen when snowplow drivers push driveway snow into public roads. The
Easton police
reported 12 incidents in a five-day period ending Jan. 30. In January, scores of trucks left piles of snow in roads, where they harden fast and can cause accidents.

Easton's Department of Public Works spent 40 extra hours replowing town roads after last week's storm. According to Director Ed Nagy, these incidents are increasing as plow drivers rush to complete jobs.

This violation of a town ordinance is punishable by a $49 fine. At least one contractor was fined this year, according to police. If residents see snow being pushed into the road, they should ask the contractor to return and finish the job. If a public works employee sees a messy plow job, police will be contacted, Nagy said.

The volume of snow has caused a waiting list for contracted removal services, says one Easton resident. The more residents complain, the more pressure it puts on the plow drivers, which could exacerbate the issue of snow pushed into the roads. In some Fairfield County communities, residents are fined up to $90 for violations committed by snowplow contractors.

Winter's grip on New England is tight this year. It's also a good year to have faith in
Groundhog Day
. If that chubby rodent's clairvoyance bears fruit, then there will be an early spring. That's something we can all look forward to.